"A Christmas Romance: Naughty and Nice" | Christmas Tales

His name is Niccolò. I met him while working at the U.S. Department of Prominence. An Italian diplomat with a voice that melts me, his foreign accent sends shivers down my spine, and my lonely heart aches for his attention. Yet, he doesn’t know I exist. He has no idea that I secretly admire him, or that I plan to be both naughty and nice by leaving a Christmas gift at his doorstep.


The holiday season is a time for giving, for showing love to the world. And giving fills me with joy. So, what better way to delight in the spirit of the season than to send a token of affection to the man I so secretly adore? The thought alone warms me more than any cup of cocoa ever could.

…..

With the skills I’ve honed as a special agent for the Department of Prominence, I will carry out my naughty and nice mission, delivering a gift to Niccolò without revealing my identity. The thrill of it is intoxicating, and oh, so deliciously mischievous. The secrecy only heightens the rush, making my pulse dance with anticipation.

Since I love haute couture jewelry, I enlist the help of my dear friend, Italian designer Valentino. I ask him for a favor, and he agrees, crafting a gold pinkie ring adorned with Niccolò’s initials: NM. The thought of gifting him this exquisite piece sends waves of excitement through me.

Being nice brings me immense joy, especially when it’s wrapped in elegance and intention.

…..

I take a bold step forward. I will be the aggressor in this silent romance. And I hope it works, even if fate decides to tease me along the way.
My heart whispers that courage is its own kind of love.

…..

On Christmas Eve, the ring arrives, delivered via FedEx. It’s breathtaking.

Christmas morning arrives, and it’s time.

Before Niccolò steps out for coffee and a newspaper, I make my move. From a distance, hidden and undetected, I watch as he opens his front door, his eyes drawn to the elegantly wrapped package resting on his porch.

A slow smile spreads across his lovely face. Priceless.

I made him happy.

My mission is complete.

Love, wrapped in holiday magic, has been delivered.

The card on my naughty and nice Christmas gift reads:
Merry Christmas, Mr. Niccolò!
You are loved.
Respectfully,
Your Secret Admirer.

…..

Later that day, my iPhone buzzed with a notification, letting me know I had a package on the way from FedEx. It caught me off guard because I was not expecting a package from anyone.

A FedEx courier hands me a package from an unknown sender. My heart races with curiosity.

I unwrap the gift box, and inside, a 14K gold necklace gleams, delicately inscribed with my name: Mia.

The card reads:
Merry Christmas, Mia!
You are loved.
Respectfully,
Niccolò Machiavelli.

"Oh, my stars…He knows who I am!”

And suddenly, the world feels brighter, sweeter, and full of possibility.

.....
 
(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)